The partnership is made up of Zayn, who is on-farm, and Natalie, who works full-time off farm but rears all calves and relief-milks. We are going into our second year of contract milking and are looking for two new staff members (a 2IC and a dairy assistant).
The herd consists of 540 spring-calving Friesian and Friesian cross cows. Cows are predominantly grass-fed, with palm kernel fed in peak. Chicory and grass silage are fed in the summer deficit. Cows are milked through a 50-bale rotary with ACRs and auto teat-spray.
ABOUT US:
Zayn grew up in town, and discovered a passion for farming after finishing school. He studied at Lincoln University, completing Diplomas in Ag and in Farm Management. He has worked in dry-stock and dairy processing industries before pursuing dairy farming. He has been very involved within NZ Young Farmers, taking the win for the Taranaki/Manawatu at the 2023 National YF fencing tournament alongside Natalie. He was also the 2024 Taranaki/Manawatu Grand Finalist at the Young Farmer of the Year competition. These experiences have led Zayn to be passionate about motivating and encouraging other young people in the ag industry.
Natalie grew up rurally in Hawkes Bay, and works full-time as a researcher with the Riddet Institute at Massey University, with a PhD focusing on milk protein digestion. Her work has been recognized internationally at the 2024 World Dairy Summit in France. She is on-farm when she can be, and handles the calf-rearing side of things.
We are a driven couple looking for a like-minded team to achieve another successful year of farming.